Travel Guides

Wadi Rum

Lying 42 miles (68km) north of Aqaba, the scenery of Wadi Rum is
acclaimed as one of the most stunningly beautiful desert landscapes
in the world and is a major tourist destination in Jordan. Towering
mountains of weathered sandstone rise vertically from the pink
desert sands where the vast emptiness and silence is
breathtaking.

There are many ways to explore the vast desert interior where
the likes of Lawrence of Arabia once rode. Serious mountaineers and
climbers relish the challenge of its high peaks, particularly the
highest in the area, Jabal Rum, and the remarkable Rock Bridge,
while hikers can enjoy the grandeur of the interior by walking out
into the wilderness and camping alone under the stars.

Camel trips and 4x4 vehicle tours can also be arranged from the
Government Rest House. Wadi Rum is home to several nomadic Bedouin
families who are famous for their hospitality, and visitors are
often invited to share mint tea with them inside their goat-hair
tents or beside the fire under the starry sky.

Transport: Buses are available along the Desert Highway to the turnoff, but public transport to the village of Rum is difficult so it is best to arrange a car. An infrequent bus service operates from Aqaba to the Government Rest House at Wadi.